David Sherborne went on to add that Tom Watson was put under surveillance to influence what the Select Committee was doing from 2009 onwards.

David Sherborne said the second group of witnesses apply for core participant status in Module 3 were three individuals who were not politicians, and emphasised the unified voice of core participant victims.

Stephen Parkinson, acting for Rebekah Brooks, confirmed that Rebekah Brooks will give written and oral evidence in module 3, and applied for core participant status, saying it would enable Brooks to have advance notice of evidence given by other participants.

Lord Leveson added he would seek read-only statements from political commentators, and that lines of questioning would need to be received from counsel 7 days in advance, not the same morning as the questioning as it is now.

Lord Leveson said there would be little evidence in Module 4 - Recommendations for a more effective policy and regulation that supports the integrity and freedom of the press while encouraging the highest ethical standards.